Support for professionals

The most important and simple thing you can do to help a survivor of sexual violence is to listen and believe.

Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre supports survivors using the empowerment model. This is a holistic approach, with the goal of giving survivors the choices of which services they use, who they speak to and how they live their lives. We trust survivors to make the right decisions for themselves.

We offer the following support options for professional referrals:

Our ISVA and ChISVA services are available for anyone, any age or gender, throughout Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Our counselling service is available for women and girls in Cambridge and Ely.

Testimonials

[My ISVA] was so kind and supportive - I honestly couldn't speak more highly of her.

You are wonderful, keep existing!

[I have learned] that I can write about things other than depressing subjects, and there are people out there who will support and encourage you no matter how ‘damaged’ everyone else labels you, and you are not alone in what you’ve been through.

[Counselling] has helped me work through my own coping mechanisms to strengthen them and develop strategies to help make everyday life easier to confront.

I am much less angry and confused. I feel more in control of what is going on than I did.

[The group] allowed me to explore new techniques and subject matters, and has put me in touch with some amazing women. Just the feeling of support and non-judgement alone was awesome.

[The ISVA Navigator] was absolutely brilliant, really made me feel like I can contact her again without hesitation, she was really understanding

It was great being able to talk to someone about things in my life.

[My ISVA] didn’t judge and was always there for me when she said she would be.

I feel as though I am much more in control of my emotions. I do not owe anything to my rapist, he is irrelevant and not worth any of my time.

I have had such amazing support; I can't thank you enough.

They were there when & if I needed help.

[My counsellor] was very supportive and understanding.

[The counsellor] was never judgemental and always kind.

My protective shell now lets the air through! I don't feel responsible for protecting every young woman. I don't feel the need to be on constant alert for danger.

I valued the gentle, non-pressuring environment. I felt safe and like I finally had someone who doesn't judge, laugh or tell anyone else. It has really boosted my trust and strength.

Absolutely can't fault [my ISVA]. She's been completely brilliant. If there was a stronger agree option, that is where I'd've ticked.

I was very happy with the support I received. It was just the right amount of understanding without feeling patronised.

Non-judgemental, honest caring people who have been with us every step of the way.

[Counselling] gave me the language to talk about my assault and the motivation to do so.

I am sad to be leaving today's session as I have truly made a massive step thanks to [my counsellor].

[The ISVA Navigator] was so helpful and lovely. She made me feel able to talk about how I was feeling and gave me all the possible options and services that are available to me.

The support I have received has really helped me and I am very grateful [...] it has been a massive help and I will be holding onto the positive outlook it has helped me to get hold of as much as I can.

[My counselling was] non-judgemental, [a] safe space to talk and cry.

I felt like I was believed and wasn't judged with how I felt and everything that happened.

There have been no intrusive questions. I don't have to mention details, which make me feel uncomfortable. Everyone is understanding and really friendly. I value that the support is free and in such a nice environment. Everyone believes you.

Every victim and every victim supporter needs to be given the opportunity to attend one of these groups. They are absolutely invaluable and an essential part of the therapeutic journey to recovery and surviving an assault.

Valued that the therapy was 20 sessions so provided time to build a relationship and receive proper support. Valued how people talked to me e.g. tone. Valued knowledge given. Valued that the therapist specialised in this area and was female. Felt very different to a therapist that might have been allocated on the NHS. Valued always being able to contact and the quick reply.